downundergal's travel reports

Chilling out in Copacabana

This small laid back town on the edge of Lake Titicaca is a total contrast to it's sophisticated & world renowned namesake in neighbouring Brasil but it still hold it's own special magic!

Favourite spots:

The sapphire blue of the vast lake and the corresponding endless blue sky make a spellbinding vista. The scene evokes memories of Greece but with it's own Latino twist. There are day trips out to the Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon with the option of staying overnight.

What's really great:

It's a great place to stop over for a few days on the way between Puno in Peru and La Paz. The weather is a nice change being warm and sunny and you will find there are loads of travellers to hang out with and swap travel stories with. Accommodation and restaurants are cheap.

Accommodations:

Hostal Colonia del lago is a lovely colonial hotel and at $9US a double with coffee and rolls for breakfast is good value. Nearly all the rooms have large picture windows that offer views of the lake. They do come with the standard Sth American electric shower with tepid water...ouch. There is also a lovely sunny garden where you can have a long lazy lunch and mix with other travellers. There is a travel agency at the front of the hotel who can book tours for you or reconfirm your bus pickup. The bus stop is at the front door of the hotel which means you don't need to carry your pack far and if you have later bus the hotel will hold your luggage for you.

Restaurants:

The ALF@net Cyber Cafe located next to the Hostal Colonia has a great combination of various things on offer including friendly service, fast internet terminals, pool tables and videos plus the best fresh sandwiches with real Gouda cheese, crispy green lettuce and fresh leg ham. After travelling in the Andes and not seeing a piece of green salad or vegetable except for corn or potatoes you will never take these simple things for granted again when you are at home. Kala Uta Cafe Bar is a nice cosy little restaurant on two levels. There is a strong smell of incense when you enter but this is not as strong as you go further in. The menu is large with fresh fish from the lake and a variety of pastas. The food is slow to come but they serve decent wine and the waiters are very helpful.

Other recommendations:

First impressions of the town are not that impressive but you will find that it will give the opportunity to meet normal Bolivianos carrying out their daily tasks selling their wares such as fish, produce etc. If you speak some Spanish they are very happy to chat with you and you will get some great Kodak moments.